If you are a nonprofit, chances are hiring a web design agency and launching or refreshing your website not only seem like daunting tasks, but expensive ones as well. Well my friend, have no fear, it’s Squarespace to the rescue!

I know, there are a million other web hosting platforms out there, many of which have probably been thrown at you or recommended, and look, no platform is perfect. It’s important to always start with asking yourself what your unique needs are as an organization, and if the platform you choose best supports those needs.

From a designers perspective, and someone who has worked at many nonprofits, I almost always recommend Squarespace. Many nonprofits have asked, “But is Squarespace really right for us? Does it have everything we need?” Well, here are my top 5 reason why I believe Squarespace is a great fit for your nonprofit organization.

1. Squarespace has a beautiful aesthetic that your nonprofit needs

One of the biggest things that I believe sets Squarespace apart from many other platforms is it’s sleek, modern, image-driven feel. In today’s space, we are inundated with messages coming from all angles. Websites are cluttered, packing in the information as if their life depended on it (and many nonprofits are guilty of this!).

In my opinion, less is more, and Squarespace does this beautifully.

Their templates are fully customizable, but they are laid out in a way that promotes well designed content. As a nonprofit, high quality images of your work will be key to your website. You want to demonstrate hope, determination, impact and transformation—having beautiful images will help you do this.

Squarespace is like the Apple of the website world, with a high quality, beautiful aesthetic.

(RELATED: How to find engaging imagery for your website)

2. Squarespace is extremely customizable with many integrations your nonprofit needs

You’re probably asking yourself, “well yes, but will it be able to do everything my nonprofit needs it to do?”

My answer is, yes. Squarespace offers a lot of the integrations and functionalities that a nonprofit will need.

You can connect everything from your social media accounts, to your email to many contact forms. As a nonprofit, you most likely send out e-newsletters, and need to build your email list. Squarespace offers a “newsletter” option that integrates with Mailchimp, Zapier and Google drive. Not on any of those platforms? Not a problem, there’s also a “code” option that allows you to insert the custom code directly from your email service provider.

Next, one of your primary calls to action is most likely going to be “donate.” Squarespace offers a “donate” option in which you can collect donations directly through them, by connecting your Stripe account.

(Pro tip: One drawback to the Donate option is that they have to charge a 3% processing fee on top of Stripe’s 3% fee, totaling 6%. But have no fear, there are many other donation platforms that can easily be integrated into Squarespace, saving you money. Donorbox is one that I would recommend and will look beautiful on your Squarespace site.)

The list goes on in what integrations Squarespace has, as well as the ability to customize and add programs and management tools you may already be using.

3. Squarespace is extremely easy for your nonprofit to use

There’s nothing like hiring a website designer to create a beautiful website for your nonprofit, but then once they are finished, you have no idea how to edit and update the site yourself! No one wants to constantly be emailing back and forth with designers for every little addition or change you want to make, or trying to figure out complicated code.

Well, Squarespace has got your back! Their backend is very intuitive, especially for making smaller edits like changing text and photos. It’s a “drag and drop” system that most people can learn the basics of quite quickly.

(Design with me and I’ll provide you with a live tutorial once your site is complete!)

4. Squarespace has high quality Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for your nonprofit

Yes, it’s a big, scary word. But don’t be alarmed, SEO simply means how quickly and efficiently search engines such as Google can find your site. Squarespace offers tons of different ways you can increase your SEO, not to mention they make it simple. Once you have your unique keywords established, you can incorporate them easily into many places on your Squarespace site, making it easier for people to find you via search engines, and helping you rise to the top.

(Pro tip: Squarespace integrates with Google Search Console and Google Analytics)

5. Squarespace is extremely affordable for your nonprofit

Lastly, Squarespace is extremely affordable. As a nonprofit, you’ve probably come across other companies that offer to build websites specifically for nonprofits, but charge an ongoing large monthly fee, that can sometimes be up to a few hundred dollars. Yes, this can be beneficial as they offer to provide ongoing support for you, but you may not always need that support, and when you do, going back and forth with a designer on small edits and changes can be frustrating.

Squarespace’s monthly web hosting fee is extremely affordable. You can get a beautiful site with all the bells and whistles for $18 per month. If you need an ecommerce option, you can get a site for $26 per month. You have complete control of your site, and can go in and make edits or redesigns any time you want (including posting blogs, which I would highly recommend to increase your SEO).

Now, this monthly cost assumes you purchase a Squarespace plan, and design the site yourself. Yikes! But what if you want someone else to design it for you? Have no fear, there are tons of web designers who work specifically with Squarespace sites, and have very affordable pricing. It’s an upfront cost that is worth it, to eliminate all the hassle for you. And once it’s done it’s done! (Eh hem, yours truly happens to be one of them, design with me!).  

(RELATED: Four basic web design terms your nonprofit should know)

Folks, there you have it. Don’t keep putting off that redesign or website launch. The world needs to see the amazing work you are doing, and you can invite them into your story by having a beautiful website! Squarespace can be your answer today!